Director, Partnerships & Legacy - Center for Engineering Mechanobiology (CEMB) - Penn Engineering - University of Pennsylvania

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The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.








Posted Job Title

Director, Partnerships & Legacy - Center for Engineering Mechanobiology (CEMB) - Penn Engineering





Job Profile Title

Manager Research Project B





Job Description Summary

The Director, Partnerships & Legacy (MDPL) for the Center for Engineering Mechanobiology will oversee externally-facing events and communications as well as educational programs for Center members and external partners. The MDPL will manage staff for programs and events under their purview. In collaboration with the Director of Education, and the Director of Research Administration & STEM Education, the MDPL will play a key role in strategic planning and will define the vision of the Center’s legacy programs and pursue external funding through philanthropic proposals to ensure the Center’s legacy. Plans, develop, implement, and evaluate an integrated and strategic program to recruit and support a diverse pool of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate students to undertake research activities in faculty laboratories. Develop and manage professional growth programs for each of these groups of trainees and specifically build an inclusive postdoctoral and graduate student community that is actively involved in service to the Center's programs. Provide mentorship to students. Develop, implement, manage, and evaluate summer undergraduate research and high school outreach/education programs. Identify and engage key internal and external partners through alumni networks, external academic institutions, and University resources. Plan events and programming for Center members, funding agencies, and the scientific community to disseminate Center research to stakeholders and enhance the scientific community overall. All logistical aspects of programs are under the MDPL’s management to ensure efficient scheduling and resource use. The MDPL will aid in additional Center programming as needed.





Job Description


Job Responsibilities


Strategic Planning & Legacy (Philanthropic Proposals and Grant Writing)Contribute to and define the strategic planning and vision of the CEMB’s education legacy and sustainability with the Directors and the Director, Research Administration & STEM Education. Identify strategies and opportunities for CEMB program funding beyond the Center end date (October 2026) and submit funding proposals on behalf of CEMB initiatives, including existing and new educational and outreach programs. Cultivate relationships with potential donors for long term sustainability efforts and writes prospectuses for donors. Contribute to program evaluation with the external evaluation team and in advisory board meetings.




Operational & People ManagementLead website redesign and re-indexing in preparation for the legacy phase of the Center. Hire and manage paid student(s) or staff to assist in website development. Manage event coordinator, (staff shared with NRT center at Penn). Maintain and monitor email communications to the Center. Oversee the Center’s budget, long term planning, and disbursement of funds in collaboration with grants manager and PEFS office. Determine the Center’s branding for legacy. Maintain CEMB social media presence.Organize Annual Symposium and external events for dissemination of researchOrganize all aspects of the following events for Center members, funding agencies, and the scientific community, with input from faculty directors: Annual Mechanobiology Symposium & Retreat and Postdoc Preview Day.In addition, assist with the recruitment of speakers and coordination of the Future Leaders in Mechanobiology series, which features graduate students and postdoctoral trainees from around the world, Friday Seminars and Distinguished Lectures. Assist MDRASE with NSF Site Visit.




Data Tracking & ReportingTrack and report demographic and outcomes data for all center members and affiliates in collaboration with external evaluation team and Managing Director, Research Administration & STEM Education. Write annual report sections and funding proposals, create slide decks and present during annual reviews.UExBDesign, develop, and lead the UExB summer research program for undergraduates for Summers 2025 and 2026. Independently lead, direct, and develop the recruitment of a diverse group of candidates for the program. Manage internal budget for this program and disbursed stipends for student researchers in collaboration with SEAS Purchasing. All logistical aspects of programs are under management of the MDPL to ensure efficient scheduling and resource use.Recruitment for 2024 - 2025 and 2025 - 2026Independently lead, direct, and develop the recruitment of a diverse group of candidates to theCenter's programs: summer undergraduate research experience (UExB program), Master'sFellowship Program, and Postdoc Preview Day; and Penn PhD programs and postdoctoralpositions relevant to the CEMB mission. Identify strategies and targeted opportunities(conferences, institutions, etc.) based on analytics and professional contacts. Conduct campusvisits to promote CEMB mission and programs to faculty, undergraduates, and master'sstudents. Organize CEMB members to attend national conferences and Minority ServingInstitutions and institutional partners to promote center activities. Lead recruitment efforts byidentifying and cultivating individual and institutional relationships and partnerships withexternal and internal contacts in the higher education community (dept. chairs, graduate chairs,and program staff). Develop marketing and information materials for print and online use.Develop and maintain online application portals and databases of applicants for tracking andreporting. Actively pursue leads and prospects to ensure an annual pool of high-qualityapplicants.


Manage Network of Informal Educational PartnersCreate outreach and networking opportunities for Center faculty and trainees at partnerinstitutions. Develop and facilitate delivery of Traveling Mechanobiology Workshops atpartner institutions, including development of facilitation training for Center members.Contribute to program evaluation with the external evaluation team. Maintain relationshipswith local schools/teachers in the School District of Philadelphia to coordinate and facilitatehigh school outreach/education visits to the University. Facilitate Franklin Institute partnershipfor CEMB mobile exhibition.Trainees & Pilot GrantsAct as the main point of contact with graduate students and postdoctoral trainees regardingfunding and outreach opportunities. Act as a liaison to trainees with executive leadership andoversee the Trainee Leadership Council. Provide professional development support andmentorship to students within the Network.Assist with other CEMB programs and events, as needed.




Qualifications

+ PhD in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, mechanical engineering or closely related discipline and 2-3 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

+ Experience with relevance to mechanobiology or other interdisciplinary sciences preferred.

+ Previous experience working with diversity recruitment, orientation, and/or mentoring.

+ Experience developing and running workshops, seminars, and/or larger events.

+ Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a diverse population at all academic levels.

+ Excellent written and oral communication skills.

+ Familiarity with data collection and analysis preferred.

+ Demonstrated ability for strategic thinking and contributing to a mission's long-term planning.






Some travel required to partner institutions, recruitment events, and conferences.Position is contingent on continued funding.






Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania





Department / School

School of Engineering and Applied Science





Pay Range

$61,046.00 - $90,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.




Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.




Special Requirements Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.




University Benefits

+ Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

+ Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

+ Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

+ Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

+ Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

+ Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

+ Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

+ University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

+ Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

+ Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

+ Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

+ Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.




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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay



The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.